How to Get Into Big Tech (Google, Microsoft, Amazon) | CS Student Roadmap 2026

How to Get Into Big Tech (Google, Microsoft, Amazon) | CS Student Roadmap 2026

Reaching top tech companies like Google, Microsoft, or Amazon requires more than just coding. It needs strong computer science fundamentals, problem-solving skills, real-world projects, internships, networking, and smart interview preparation.

This step-by-step roadmap is specially designed for Computer Science undergraduates interested in Web Development, Computer Graphics, and Machine Learning (TensorFlow).

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🚀 Phase 1: Build Strong Foundations (1st & 2nd Year)

1️⃣ Master Data Structures & Algorithms (DSA)

Data Structures and Algorithms are the backbone of Big Tech interviews.

• Learn arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues
• Master trees, graphs, heaps, hash tables
• Understand sorting and searching algorithms
• Practice competitive programming regularly

Practice Platforms: LeetCode, Codeforces, CodeChef

Recommended Resources

• CS50x – Harvard Introduction to Computer Science
• DSA by NeetCode & Striver (YouTube)
• LeetCode Top Interview Questions

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2️⃣ Solidify Core Computer Science Concepts

• OOP: Java, C++, or Python (any one deeply)
• Operating Systems: Processes, threads, memory management
• DBMS: SQL, normalization, transactions, indexing
• Networking: HTTP, DNS, TCP/IP basics

Recommended Resources

• Operating Systems – William Stallings
• Database System Concepts – Korth
• Computer Networking – Kurose & Ross

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3️⃣ Work on Real-World Projects

• Build a personal portfolio website
• Create 2–3 full-stack projects (React + Node.js + Database)
• Contribute to open-source projects on GitHub

Recommended Resources

• freeCodeCamp Full-Stack Development
• CS50 Web Programming with Python & JavaScript

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🎯 Phase 2: Specialization & Advanced Skills (3rd Year)

4️⃣ Master a Specialization

• Machine Learning & AI: TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn
• Computer Graphics & Game Development: OpenGL, WebGL, Blender, Unreal Engine
• Cloud & DevOps: AWS, Docker, Kubernetes, Terraform

Recommended Resources

• Deep Learning Specialization – Andrew Ng
• Computer Graphics with OpenGL/WebGL
• AWS Fundamentals – Coursera

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5️⃣ Internships & Hackathons

• Apply for internships at startups and MNCs
• Participate in Google Summer of Code (GSoC)
• Join hackathons and coding competitions

Platforms

• LinkedIn Jobs, Internshala, AngelList
• MLH Fellowships
• Google Kickstart, CodeJam, ACM ICPC

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🏆 Phase 3: Getting Into Big Tech (Final Year)

6️⃣ Prepare for FAANG Interviews

• System Design: Scalability, caching, load balancing, microservices
• Behavioral Interviews: STAR method
• Mock Interviews: Practice regularly

Recommended Resources

• System Design Interview – Alex Xu
• Pramp, Interviewing.io, Exponent

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7️⃣ Apply for Jobs at Google, Microsoft & Amazon

• Get employee referrals via LinkedIn
• Optimize resume with measurable achievements
• Apply via official career portals and campus placements

Official Career Pages

• Google Careers
• Microsoft Careers
• Amazon Jobs

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✅ Final Tips for CS Students

• Build strong professional networking
• Solve 200+ LeetCode problems before applying
• Maintain an active GitHub profile
• Write blogs on Web Dev, TensorFlow, or Computer Graphics

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❓ Want a Customized Roadmap?

Would you like a role-specific roadmap for:

• Software Development Engineer (SDE)
• Machine Learning Engineer (MLE)
• Backend Engineer
• Frontend / Web Developer

Comment or message to get a personalized guide 🚀